Rod

Guess I am stating the obvious ( I am always running to catch up with you guys) that every true damascus blade is unique and that is it's intrinsic value... Certainly not a production line item!!! I get the strong impression I am stepping into a rarified area!!!! Rod

Yep here I am again...... I think damascus steel is made up of thin layers of steel forged back into a solid piece. Sounds sort of mysterious and oriental in a way. I note the price of damascus swords is significantly more than the poor old plain steel ones. Is this a lost art? and worthy of the premium???? (this is my last general question on swords)....... I hope!!!! Rod

Well here I am again testing your patience.... but my curiousity is killing me!!! I notice MINER"S swords made in the imperial period. What is so significant about a MINER (with all due respect) that would prompt a sword??? Rod

Gustavo... I am way south of Ripley. As a reluctant transplant from Pennsylvania, I only watch the Mountaineers if they are playing Pitt or Duquesne. Rod

I have been collecting for several years and I have been through all the TR and the medals and such..... but for what it is worth to you I think the potential of imperial swords is an unharvested field.. Rod

Thanks Chris and Swordguy. The scabbard is missing one of the screws that holds the throat piece. Tom Johnson has some screws for a WKC but they seem a bit small. Can someone suggest another source????? Rod

Gee ... won't someone at least speculate. It seems to me (could be completely wrong) that this is a battle sword worn by a higher ranking officer that never got into the fray since the condition of the sword is so good. No nicks or any damage at all to blade. I would also think the damascus indicates big bucks in its time (was not cheap in our time... hummm) especially for such wide and heavy blade, so this would be for someone that had a few marks to splurge. I have not seen another one like this but then again I am a newbie to swords. I only have three other swords (two imperial and one TR) but they are definitely dress items and look like toys compared to this one. The handle on this one reminds be of a baseball bat handle (well sort of). Rod

Well here I go again!! I just received this is the mail from Craig and I am tickled pink. The blade is mint although the gilting is a mite worn. The Sachsen Kingdom crest is on both sides with eisenhauer on the one side and damaststal on the other. Has a curved blade with a pen quill (is that right?). It is built like a tank (almost as heavy and just as solid!) and all in great shape. The hilt feels like steel. I would hate to be on the business end of this baby. This seems to be for a much more serious use than primping on the parade ground. It has a nickel 2 ring scabbard so it must be pre 1908. Right? I have to change the portepee to a sachsen one. I sure would appreciate a pic of what the proper sachsen calvary portepee looks like!!!! Can someone fill in more information for me. Vintage? Battle sword as opposed to a dress or gift sword? I would be interested in everything!!! thanks so much, Rod

Gentlemen.... I sincerely beg your patience. I have posted this bar twice before but I just have to do it again as it by far my favorite piece. It is a Rothe silver Henry awarded for the 1866 unpleasantness. Only 261 awarded. Thank you .... I feel better now!!! Rod

Here is the combatant mini (I love them) that I just received. It was advertised as gilt bronze and looks really good to me. The relief is much much finer and better made than the full size medal (with the non combatant reverse) that I showed above and have since returned. Sorry for the poor scan, but it is the best I can do. Rod

I just talked to the seller of my above medal who says he sent me a non combatant by mistake. Nothing was said about how it got the "gilt" finish...... Anyway, it is being returned. Rod

I had thought the bronze (gilt) combatant medals had "den siegreichen streitern 1900 china 1901" on the reverse while the silver non-combatants had "verdienst um die expedition nach china". Well here is my bronze (gilt) with the non-combatant statement. Helmut Weitze lists a silver one with the combatant statement. hummmmm ??? fakes??? I must admit my medal does not have the quality stamping definition that I have seen others. I am confused. Help!!! Rod

Wheewww .... then I am glad I did not get this item,,, I will keep looking and looking for HOPHU!!!!!! thanks all, Rod

I have been searching for a china medal (denkmuntze) with Gefechtsspance (clasp) of HOPHU. Today Detlev listed one with a HUOLU clasp. Naturally I missed it since I am NEVER quick enough . BUT tell me ... is HUOLU the same as HOPHU??? Rod

Sebastien, Thanks for you kind comments. I wish this sword had a true military provenance but its condition is outstanding. Have you seen my posting on the Bavarian Curaissier sword? The research I got from the forum members is nothing short of amazing. Rod

I am still hoping someone comments on my GOLD swords. There does seem to be a difference between the gilt cross itself and the swords. I really can't tell if my swords are screwed in or soldered. Rod

and the reverse:

SPM Here is the obverse:

I just bought a 4th class Crown Order with a "W" on the bottom edge of the 6 o'clock arm. The swords are said to be GOLD while the rest of the cross is bronze guilt. Sort of hard to tell the difference. I am told it is circa 1900 and awarded to german colonial troops. It has a blue ribbon. Does any of this make sense? Rod

Saschaw.... Thanks so much. Rod

I recently posted an inquiry about the owner of Bavarian Curaissier Sword in the German Dagger and Swords forum. Rick astonished me in identifying the owner and his military history which included being awarded the "old" model Bavarian Military Merit Order 4th class with swords. I did not realize there was an "old" model and would really like to see a pic of one to compare to the "new" ? model I have. Could someone post a pic of an "old" one? Thanks so much, Rod

Perhaps some who has a sword with an engraved crest ( reverse and upside down) on the nut pommel would comment ..... ???? Sort of sounds authoriantive huh??? Hummmm ... wish we had a spell checker ... ha ha Rod

Rick!!! hummppphhh .... I TOLD you before I am a pain in the butt Rod

WElllll ..... I am more than sure you all will heave a sigh of relief when I get another "toy" to play with and comment on ... BUT I must add this in.. Remember when it was observed that the family crest on the pommel nut is reversed (a mirror image) ???? which seems that it is intended to be used as a "stamp" (wax?). WEEELL ... it now seems be me the nut is intended to be tightened to an "upside down" position .. that is when looking from the rear with the handle up and the knuckle guard down. It could be further turned to a "right side up" position (as received) but to me that places undue strain on the threads on the tang which by the way are provided by a brass sleeve which could pull off the tang. When I thought further about it .. the only (safe) way the stamp crest could be used would be to hold the sword by the handle as you normally would and then stamp down with the heel of your hand .... thus reversed and upside down!!! ha ha . Yes Yes I know I must have too much time on my hands and need to move on.. ..... all this may be much ado about nothing but I would like to keep the sword as designed. Apologies to all and hopeful for comments????????? Rod

Rick.. WELL ... it is an eight (*) and that is my story and I am sticking to it!!! ha ha Honestly, I have looked at it in a very subdued light and it really is an eight (8) and I do thank you for your help. I almost sent this sword back to the seller but I am now glad to keep it!!! You are a JEWEL!!!! Many thanks. Rod